Geoff Reiner for MBA Association President!

Ladies and Gentlemen of DeGroote,

I invite you to join me in these exciting and challenging times. Together as a team, with our strengths combined, we can achieve our goals… we can achieve greatness. I ask for your support as we rally the troops and prepare for Thursday, November 12th.

On election day remember: My strength is people… My strength is you.

Vote Geoff Reiner for your MBA Association President.

 

Do You Have a Sixth Sense?

A Thousand Words…

A friend of mine sent me this video and I think it so evidently speaks the truth. A picture really is worth a thousand words. However, a conversation may in fact last a lifetime.

Everything happens for a reason.

9/11… An Inside Job?

With the birth of the long weekend I had a few films that I wanted to indulge in. A friend let me borrow “Enron… The Smartest Guys in the Room” which I really enjoyed. It was extremely interesting to discover the degree in which money and power can produce such corruption and ultimately lead to the tragic downfall of what was one of the world’s leading electricity, natural gas, pulp and paper, and communications companies in the world.

I then dove in to a 2007 documentary film by Peter Joseph that I have been wanting to watch for a long time. The film, discussing historical and modern day conspiracies including religion, the banking system and 9/11, is called “Zeitgeist.” It spawned greater interest in the events of 9/11 and I ended up finding another movie that I just as throughly enjoyed. This latest film is called “Loose Change” is was written and directed by Dylan Avery. It takes a more in depth look at the events of September 11th with extremely shocking footage and factual information. There are a few different editions of the film so take your pick. This is the edition I checked out and of course, I highly recommend it…

Give a dollar. Give a damn.

I recently did an unlearn presentation for a leadership summit at my previous university and was in dire need of a strong conclusion. I decided to use a video that I watched in Grand Central Station describing the difference you can make with your two hands. The video was about Mandela Day 2009. Although it was quite relevant, I wanted to leave the audience with something to look forward to – not something that had already passed.

More recently a friend sent me a link to something that would have worked just as well… or better. Gratitude Week is happening October 12-16 with the purpose of “Doing one thing today to end homelessness now.”

“Vancouver is one of the most prosperous and desirable places in the world to live. Yet we have more than 2,600 people living on our streets. We all know homelessness is something that must end, but the problem keeps growing. And while the issues of homelessness are complex and sometimes contentious, the reality is that until people have their basic needs of safe, clean affordable housing and shelter met, the larger and more difficult issues cannot be addressed”.

I really like the idea but let’s make this a challenge. Why can’t we challenge universities, colleges, high schools, elementary schools and cities across the country? This is an awesome concept that has to catch fire. Social networking has to take its toll… and fast!

Industry Displacement

So, it’s that time of year again – back to school! I am starting on a journey at the wonderful Degroote School of Business taking the MBA Coop Program. I have to be honest, I am so excited. I was able to pick up a second year class called Strategic Knowledge Management and the instructor is none other then Dr. Nick Bontis. This is going to be awesome!

Check out a few words on Industry Displacement.

Cities Go Climate Positive

I recently had a friend from Australia stay with me for a few days. We spent some time in Niagara Falls and saw the sites in Toronto. It was a pretty fun filled couple of days. After seeing the falls, we checked out Ben Harper, watched the Jays and the Yankees, went to the Hockey Hall of Fame and climbed the CN tower.

As we took pictures of the city from the CN Tower, I couldn’t help but to notice the number of energy guzzling sky scrappers that I stood face to face with. I thought to myself – imagine if all of these massive buildings supported a natural green environment on their rooftops. I’m sure I am not the first person to think of this and I’m sure it wouldn’t take much. Lay a tarp down, drop some top soil, and wait for the seeds to grow! Think of the difference this would make if half of Toronto’s buildings were able to take part in this green initiative. Carbon emissions would decrease, the environment would be much cleaner, and there may be a few more homes for wildlife. Whenever I have some sort of idea like this, naturally I turn to youtube. Check it out:

NIN Fans, iPhone Fans and Everyone…

Check out this new iPhone App by Trent Rezner, Rob Sheridan and Digg’s Kevin Rose.

Chase Jarvis this is all your fault!

A few months back a very good friend of mine upgraded his camera from a Nikon D60 to the brand new Nikon D90. He explained to me that he just had too much money and didn’t know what to do with it all. Immediately I was intrigued. I started doing some research and found every excuse in the book to upgrade my $250 entry level camera to a D40. I searched on Craigslist.com and eBay. My friend suggested I go to Henry’s, do some serious research, and talk to the professionals. I’ve been there about 4 times in the last few weeks. It’s incredible how I talk myself in to the best of the best. I also have the tendency to make sporadic decisions that aren’t the greatest and I always end up wishing I would have just saved a little bit longer and purchased exactly what I wanted. So that’s my plan.

In my world, purchasing a used kickass camera is completely out of the question. There are so many issues including warranty, knock offs, and my favourite… choosing a POS! And I know that if I spend the money I will take the time to learn about my new prized possession and incorporate it into my busy lifestyle. Furthermore, I have always had a huge interest in photography and I am sure the Nikon D90 is built to last. With this in mind I urge you to take 5 minutes and 39 seconds out of your busy day to check out the video that made me fall in love. Kevin thanks so much and I hate you… You will soon cost me an arm and a leg for something that I have always wanted but never really taken the time to learn about – until now… Also, Chase Jarvis if you ever read this… THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT…

Post Script: Check out www.chasejarvis.com – this guy is a master at his own domain – a true gem!

Free Learning from MIT

I realize this is old news for many connected individuals around the world however I wanted to add to the clutter. Free learning is offered online from MIT and millions of people worldwide are taking advantage…